Urban Religious Events: Public Spirituality in Contested Spaces

The relationship between vibrant religious landscapes and contemporary urban social processes is explored through case studies from around the world, revealing how religious events disrupt urban cultural hierarchies and lay claims to cultural supremacy or heritage. This book contributes to understanding emerging patterns in contemporary religion and related theories.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The relationship between vibrant religious landscapes and contemporary urban social processes is a complex and multifaceted one that has been the subject of much scholarly inquiry. Case studies from around the world have shown that religious events, including rituals, processions, and festivals, are not only choreographies of sacred traditions but also creative disruptions that reveal how urban cultural hierarchies are experienced and contested. This book argues that these events are not merely passive expressions of religious belief but rather active agents of social change.

One of the key themes of the book is the power dynamics behind religious events. Contributors explore how these events are used to assert cultural supremacy or heritage, and how they can destabilize dominant genealogies and lineages around urban identities. For example, religious festivals can be used to promote a particular ethnic or religious group, while processions can be used to assert political power or to commemorate historical events. However, these events can also be contentious, with some groups opposing them on religious or political grounds.

Another theme of the book is the affective disruptions and political controversies caused by religious events. These events can evoke strong emotions and can be a source of conflict and division. For example, religious festivals can attract large crowds, which can lead to traffic congestion, noise pollution, and public health concerns. Processions can also be disruptive to the flow of traffic, and can be seen as a threat to public safety.

To address these challenges, the book offers a range of theoretical perspectives and practical strategies. One of the key theoretical perspectives is the sociology of religion, which examines the social and cultural factors that shape religious practices and beliefs. This perspective helps to understand how religious events are embedded in social structures and how they can be used to promote social change.

Another theoretical perspective is the ethnography of ritual, which examines the social and cultural significance of ritual practices. This perspective helps to understand how religious events are experienced and interpreted by individuals and communities.

Practical strategies for addressing these challenges include promoting dialogue and understanding between different religious groups, developing policies and regulations that promote religious freedom and tolerance, and investing in infrastructure and services that support religious events.

In conclusion, the relationship between vibrant religious landscapes and contemporary urban social processes is a complex and multifaceted one that requires a range of theoretical perspectives and practical strategies. Case studies from around the world have shown that religious events are not only choreographies of sacred traditions but also creative disruptions that reveal how urban cultural hierarchies are experienced and contested. By promoting dialogue and understanding, developing policies and regulations, and investing in infrastructure and services, we can create more inclusive and equitable urban environments that support the diverse religious practices and beliefs of our communities.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350238466